The United States has raised its travel advisory for Kenya from Level 2 to Level 3, urging American citizens to reconsider visiting the country because of health and security concerns, including an ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
In an advisory updated on October 19, 2026, the US Department of State cited risks linked to crime, kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest and road safety, alongside the potential exposure to Ebola.
Kenya confirmed one new infection on Sunday, bringing the total number of reported cases to eight. Health Director General Patrick Amoth mentioned that the Ministry of Health tested 38 people that day, with one testing positive for the Bundibugyo strain. The latest case involves a patient attendant.
Health officials continue to investigate the outbreak, trace contacts and assess the possibility of further transmission.
The advisory urges travellers to avoid contact with anyone showing possible Ebola symptoms and to stay away from bodily fluids that could carry the virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pain. Unexplained bleeding or bruising may develop in later stages.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises anyone who develops symptoms consistent with Ebola to separate themselves from others immediately, avoid travelling and contact local health authorities or a healthcare facility for instructions. Travellers seeking treatment should call the facility before arriving so medical staff can prepare and protect other patients.
The advisory does not mean every part of Kenya is unsafe or that Americans face a blanket travel ban. Level 3 means travellers should reconsider their plans and weigh the risks before deciding whether to visit. The health warning also does not mean every traveller will be exposed to Ebola.
The State Department has separately designated several areas as “Do Not Travel” zones because of security threats.
In Nairobi, the warning covers Eastleigh and Kibera due to crime and kidnapping risks. It also applies to Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu and Tana River counties, except Tsavo National Park, as well as parts of Kilifi County north of Highway C103 and coastal areas north of Malindi, where authorities cite terrorism and kidnapping threats.
West Pokot County and western Turkana County are also listed because of crime concerns. Parts of Marsabit and Turkana counties within 50 kilometres of the Ethiopian border carry warnings over the risk of unrest.
The CDC advises travellers to Kenya to follow routine health precautions and seek guidance from health authorities when necessary. Kenyan officials continue containment efforts as they monitor the outbreak and assess the risk of further infections.